Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 suggests manageable financial pressure—comparable Pennsylvania chemistry programs typically see graduates earning around $44,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $27,000 in loans. This positions Misericordia squarely in the middle of the state's chemistry landscape, where first-year earnings range from the low $40,000s to just over $50,000 at schools like Millersville and Drexel.
Chemistry bachelor's degrees generally lead to solid entry-level positions, and these estimated figures align closely with national benchmarks. The debt load translates to monthly payments around $300 on a standard repayment plan—feasible on a $44,000 salary, though it will require budgeting discipline. The real question is career trajectory: many chemistry graduates pursue additional education or certifications that boost earning power significantly, while others find that lab technician roles keep salaries relatively flat without advanced credentials.
Given the limited graduate sample that necessitated these estimates, it's worth investigating where Misericordia's chemistry alumni actually land. Are they moving into graduate programs, pharmaceutical companies, or research positions? The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if the career outcomes match typical Pennsylvania chemistry programs, but without actual placement data for this specific program, you're making an educated guess based on peer institutions rather than proven results.
Where Misericordia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (73 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,370 | $43,571* | — | $26,677* | — | |
| $12,262 | $50,524* | $55,858 | $20,250* | 0.40 | |
| $60,663 | $49,215* | — | $29,667* | 0.60 | |
| $14,630 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,620 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581* | — | $24,000* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Misericordia University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.